Realigning our Hearts

Unity & Empowerment through Knowledge

This summer in Buffalo, NY we will foster unity and empower our youth to be confident in their Muslim identity through education and spiritual nourishment.

Our three-day event will have two phases, a day program and a night program.

Our Day program will be an opportunity to engage, challenge misconceptions, educate and cultivate a space for free and honest discourse about Islam in America at the University at Buffalo. Featuring a keynote speech by Linda Sarsour and discussions with leading Muslim visionaries including Hassan Shibly and Brother Tamer Osman.

Our night program will emphasize spirituality, tradition, brotherhood and sisterhood in a serene atmosphere. The night will begin with a bonfire and barbeque, sports activities for men and women, followed by late night tea and open conversations on issues facing Muslims in America.

Throughout the night, there will be prayer and beautiful recitations of the Holy Qur’an to nourish the heart in a tradition dating back to our Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Our goal is to realign the hearts of young American Muslims with the spiritual traditions of Islam, as well as practical answers and resources to help them overcome our contemporary challenges.

Event Schedule

Friday, 28th July

Registration

Doors Open

Opening Keynote with Linda Sarsour

An electrifying speech on the challenges facing American-Muslims, especially youth, and on the need to be “unapologetically Muslim” in these difficult times. Featuring local entertainment at the University at Buffalo.

08:40PM

Maghreb Prayer

Maghreb - Isha

Evening of Light: Welcome Dinner

The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him said “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” Our night of blessings will begin with a dinner buffet featuring poetry by Arlem Habeeb!

11:00PM

Unity through Knowledge: Part 1

The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, united the Arab peninsula despite the many different tribes that challenged him. How did he overcome the social and political obstacles of his era to accomplish such a daunting task ?

12:00AM

Evening of Light

An evening devoted to the spiritual traditions of Islam, from recitations of the Holy Qur’an to standing in the coveted Night Vigil prayers.

Saturday, 29th July

Fajr

Empowerment through Knowledge: Part 1

In 7th century Arabia, all who didn’t confirm to the social order were oppressed until the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, empowered men, women and children with the light of Knowledge. With his example we will explore how his methods can be implemented to empower ourselves to face today’s challenges.

7:00AM

Coffee & Breakfast

Masjid An-Noor

08:00AM

Doors Open

University at Buffalo

09:00AM

One Ummah: Rectifying Divisions in our Community

Imam Fajri and Professor Faizan Haq discuss how Islam has always been a unifying force in history, bringing diverse cultures under the same banner while maintaining their traditions. Nowadays the world is plagued with division. How can we see through these arbitrary lines to maintain the vision of unity?

10:00AM

Beyond Social Media: Keys to Making a Difference in the Real World

Many of us want to make a difference, but it’s easy to get lost in the era of hashtag revolutions. World-renowned activist Linda Sarsour will provide us with the keys to open the doors of social change in the real world, not just online.

11:00AM

The Greater Jihad: Overcoming our Egos

No term is more misconstrued than “Jihad.” So what is the true meaning of the central struggle that Islam positions us to take on? To overcome our egos, be humble servants of God and bettering humanity.

12:00PM

Sisterhood and Brotherhood in Islam

We’ve all heard the phrase “We are sisters and brothers in Islam!” but what does that truly mean? What are the rights, and responsibilities, that make up the world’s largest family? Come together with our brother and sister Hassan Shibly and Linda Sarsour as they explore this topic.

Thuhr

Prayer and Lunch

02:00PM

Growing up Muslim in America

Growing up Muslim in America is one of the most critical social experiences of our time. We are inherently at the front lines of social justice, and at the center of challenges to American values. The youth speak up about navigating the dual aspects of being Muslim in America.

03:00PM

Forum for the Inquisitive Soul

Seldom are there opportunities for the youth to speak up at our mosques and community functions. Now is your chance to lead the conversation and bring up any questions, concerns or comments you have on the American Muslim experience in the presence of community leaders.

04:00PM

American Muslim Identity

At times, being American and being Muslim seem so polarized. It is no surprise then that many Muslim youth struggle with an identity crisis. Are those two identities really mutually exclusive, or do they in fact compliment and empower each other?

05:00PM

Dinner

06:00PM

Collective International Film Festival

The Collective International Film Festival's screening will display films made by innovative filmmakers from across the globe encouraging discussion on cultural, social, and economic topics in local or global communities. We will have a brief discussion on Muslim representation in the media, followed by a screening of several entertaining short films to conclude our day at UB!

09:30PM

Bonfire, BBQ, and Sports

Start the evening under the stars with a bonfire, halal barbeque and sports for both men and women!

11:30PM

Empowerment through Knowledge: Part 2

In 7th century Arabia, all who didn’t confirm to the social order were oppressed until the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, empowered men, women and children with the light of Knowledge. With his example we will explore how his methods can be implemented to empower ourselves to face today’s challenges.

12:00AM

Evening of Light part 2: Tea Circles and Night Prayer

Conversations over coffee, tea and sweets followed by beautiful recitations of the Holy Qur’an and the coveted Night Vigil Prayers.

Sunday, 30th July

Fajr

Unity through Knowledge: Part 2

The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, united the Arab peninsula despite the many different tribes that challenged him. How did he overcome the social and political obstacles of his era to accomplish such a daunting task ?

11:00AM

Realigning our Hearts Brunch

Join us at Jami Masjid to conclude our eventful weekend. Where do we go from here? We may have all the tools, knowledge and network to be successful, but if our hearts are in the wrong place then all our efforts will be for naught. Our closing session will bring home all of the wisdom from the days prior leaving us with practical solutions to our situation.